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Belgische Gemeentewapens - Armories communales de Belgique Belgian Civic Heraldry

ANTWERPEN

Origin/meaning :

The arms are a combination of the arms of the County Antwerpen, Mechelen and Turnhout. The arms of the County Antwerpen are a combination of the arms of the city and the eagle of the Holy Roman Empire.

The County of Antwerpen was founded in 1008 by emperor Henry II to protect the border along the river Schelde. Besides the present province, some parts of Brabant also belonged to the county. In 1430 the county became part of Burgundy, as did practically all states in Belgium and the Netherlands. The arms were devised in 1430, between 1008 and 1430 the county bore no arms. The Dukes of Burgundy added the imperial eagle to emphasize the power of the Empire. The arms were not changed until 1581 when two lions were added as supporters. After the defeat of Antwerpen to the Spaniards in 1585 the lions were replaced by two savages (as in the arms of the city).

The domain ('heerlijkheid') Mechelen was a loan of the Prince-Bishop of Liege. It was owned by the Berthout family. The arms of the Berthout family were three pales. In 1490 emperor Friedrich III allowed the domain to add the royal eagle for the loyalty of its citizens to the emperor. The arms haven't changed since then.

The arms were first combined in 1816. The arms were then placed on the Royal (Dutch) arms, as Belgium was still part of the Netherlands. After the independence of Belgium in 1830 the Dutch arms disappeared.

The arms prior to 1830.

Initially the arms were now placed on the Belgian Royal arms, see below, but these were later removed. The arms were now covered by a ducal crown. The supporters were added only in the late 20^th century.

The arms on the Belgian National arms.

The arms in the 20^th century.

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